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Celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2023 Most Valued Principals
Welcome to the MVP Hall of Fame! We are sharing profiles of our most recent honorees as we lead up to the nomination deadline (TBA) for the 2024 Class of Pittsburgh Penguins MVPs.
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Paula Heinzman
Principal of Schiller STEAM Academy,
Pittsburgh Public School District
2023 Pittsburgh Penguins MVPWhat is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
Schiller is an amazing place to work and learn. We have an awesome culture and the majority of our staff are all in for our kids. To say that we work hard here is an understatement. We really come here and do whatever needs done for our students and their families.What do you love about being a principal?I love watching my students learn and grow! I get so fulfilled when I see a child grasping a concept or feeling some sense of accomplishment. There is a sense of pride that comes with having a school where students can come and have a great experience on a daily basis.In your opinion, what is the future of education?WOW! What an amazing question! EVER-CHANGING! I think that there are going to be things happening in education that no one would have ever thought possible. Once you believe that our students have the ability, the sky is the limit!
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Anthony Mooney, Ed.D.
Principal of Quaker Valley Middle School,
Quaker Valley School District
2023 Pittsburgh Penguins MVPWhat is something positive that you want others to know about your school?
The teachers and the entire support staff at Quaker Valley Middle School go out of their way to ensure that our students are successful, happy, and healthy. I am so fortunate to work alongside so many professionals who go above and beyond for their students. It is honestly awe-inspiring and heartwarming to experience firsthand!
What do you love about being a principal?I love being a principal for many reasons! I enjoy building relationships with students, families, teachers, support staff members, and the larger school community. These relationships help to create a learning ecosystem that has a direct impact on student outcomes. Another aspect of the principalship that I enjoy is motivating, supporting, and empowering students and teachers to achieve greatness -- however they define it. Ultimately, I want to leverage the principal position so that I can make a positive impact on those around me.
In your opinion, what is the future of education?I believe that the future of K-12 education is bright! Through personalized learning experiences, blended learning options that integrate in-person and online learning experiences, the meaningful and thoughtful use of technology to enhance thinking and learning, and a serious focus on future-ready skills (such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking), educators are preparing today's children for a limitless future.
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2023 Pittsburgh Penguins MVPs
Joe Villani, Bethel Park
David Radcliffe, Brentwood
Michael Hower, Fox Chapel
Brian Werner, Keystone Oaks
Kylee Crawshaw, Montour
Susie Bjalobok, North Allegheny
Natasha Dirda, North Allegheny
R.J. Long, Northgate
Kelly Gustafson, Pine-Richland
Paula Heinzman, Pittsburgh Public
Eric Hewitt, Riverview
Michael Calvert, South Allegheny
Patricia Nolan, West Allegheny
Melissa Wagner, West Allegheny
